Bears Suffer Setback to Springfield in Home Opener

Senior midfielder Jackie Moscardelli (Weymouth, MA) added five goals and an assist while sophomore attacker Kelly Gallo (Westfield, MA) contributed four goals with an assist for the Pride who was playing its season debut.

Freshman midfielder Michelle Dorsey (Wilbraham, MA) had a successful collegiate debut with a goal, three assists, six ground balls, and two caused turnovers.

Springfield took a 7-5 lead at the break and held a pair of one-goal leads in the second half, the last at 9-8 before the roof caved in for the Golden Bears who were outscored 8-1 in the final 21 minutes, 6 seconds.

Moscardelli keyed the run scoring at the 19:45 mark to give the visitors a two-goal advantage. Gallo and Dorsey followed with goals before Moscardelli scored again for a 13-8 advantage with 9:59 left.

Western New England (1-1) received a nice performance from freshman midfielder Jessica Scannapieco (Blue Bell, PA) who notched five goals. Senior midfielder Katie Toomy (Northborough, MA) had a pair of goals and an assist.

Freshman goalie Emily Castleman (Wilbraham, MA) had a solid outing with 18 saves, including three against Dorsey who was her former teammate at nearby Minnechaug Regional High School for the past four years.

Senior defender Veronica Miano (Southington, CT) had four ground balls and two caused turnovers for the Golden Bears.